Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
